Scottsboro, Alabama – When a senior at Scottsboro High School passed out while seniors were painting parking spots before class, principal Zach Holt and School Resource Officer William Stevens acted quickly to save the student’s life.

Rapid response on campus

Students alerted staff that a peer was in distress. Holt said, “Students came over, said that there was a student who had passed out and we noticed our student was in a state of distress.” He immediately began caring for the student, identified as Ismael, while Officer Stevens called for an ambulance.

Seeing Ismael’s condition worsen, Holt and Officer Stevens placed him in the officer’s cruiser and drove toward the hospital. During the ride Holt could not feel a pulse and began CPR, continuing the effort until they reached the emergency department.

Hospital care and recovery

Ismael was air‑lifted to Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham, where doctors discovered a brain bleed and performed emergency surgery. “The measures taken before he got to the hospital saved his life,” Holt said after the family was informed.

Following weeks of treatment, Ismael has made a full recovery. “He’s gonna be able to enjoy his senior year and then go on, which is exciting for us,” Holt added, crediting God and the training they received throughout their careers.

Community recognition

The Scottsboro City Council later honored Holt and Officer Stevens with “lifesaving awards,” highlighting the dedication of school leaders to protect students as if they were their own children.

This incident underscores the importance of emergency preparedness in schools and the vital role of faith‑guided service in our community.

Original reporting: WAFF 48 Huntsville (news) — read the source article.